State changes could add up to 300 jobs at Morley Companies in Saginaw Township

The Morley Companies Inc. could add up to 300 jobs at its Saginaw Township headquarters if the state changes how it awards Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credits, a company official said.

But that's a big if, depending on whether the Legislature OKs changes in qualifications for MEGA grants, the state OKs the company's potential application and an undisclosed client it's negotiating with agrees to move forward, said Christopher J. Furlo, executive vice president.

Morley would provide data collection, market research and call center services to the client, he said. Morley would need to hire program managers, supervisors, information technology specialists and customer service representatives.

"The client has indicated that they would like to get going as soon as possible," he said. "...We're doing everything we can to get it, and we're hoping to get it, but it's not a done deal."

The Senate has OK'd the change to MEGA rules, said state Sen. Roger N. Kahn, a Saginaw Township Republican.

The House, however, has yet to vote on it, said state Rep. Andy Coulouris, a Saginaw Democrat. State lawmakers now in recess are to reconvene in mid-July.

"When we're able to take it up, my hope is that we will," he said.

Morley has worked with Kahn, Coulouris and state Rep. Kenneth B. Horn, a Frankenmuth Republican, on the issue, Furlo said.

MEGA awards tax credits to employers on the basis of the wages they pay employees, which must amount to at least 150 percent of minimum wage or $10.88 an hour to qualify, Coulouris said.

The pending legislative change would let the state factor in fringe benefits, too, which would then put Morley in contention for consideration, the lawmaker said.

The specifics of how much of a tax credit Morley might ask for aren't known yet, Furlo said.

The company employs 650 employees, with 450 based at its operations at and Fashion Square in Saginaw Township. The privately held company, among other business services, provides large-group travel to Fortune 500 corporations.